An enthusiastic practitioner of the regimen himself, Modi set up a new ministry for yoga last year. He also persuaded the United Nations to declare June 21 International Day of Yoga – the first of which will be celebrated in New Delhi on Sunday with a mega yoga event, with schools encouraged to take part.

“After the number zero this is India’s biggest contribution to society,” said Anil Ganeriwala, a joint secretary in the ministry. “It is a symbol of our cultural richness.” Read more